Because of the complexity of the rotator cuff, it’s important to receive care from a highly experienced rotator cuff surgery doctor. If you live or work in Lancaster, PA, Dr. Michael Bercik at Lancaster Orthopedic Group can provide you with the outstanding care you need to return to the activities you love.

Your rotator cuff is responsible for most of the arm movement that you use in your daily life. This includes throwing a ball, dusting around the house, and reaching overhead to grab a box of cereal. When you damage your rotator cuff, tasks that used to seem easy can suddenly feel like an insurmountable challenge. If non-surgical methods do not work, rotator cuff surgery may be the best option. Finding an experienced and board-certified orthopedic shoulder surgeon like Dr. Bercik can ensure you receive a tailored treatment plan designed for your unique needs.

Rotator Cuff Injuries in Baseball Players

Baseball players go through many repetitive movements, many of which involve shoulder movement. For example, throwing between players, catching, and pitching all require the shoulder to move into similar positions, causing wear and tear of the shoulder joint complex over time.

Without healthy movement ability from the rotator cuff, a player’s ability to play baseball at a high level is greatly diminished. Rotator cuff injuries are a leading reason that baseball players are no longer able to practice and play, so diagnosing and treating these conditions early is vital for the longevity of players’ baseball careers.

While early diagnoses and comprehensive treatment significantly improve outcomes of rotator cuff injuries for baseball players, many preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of these injuries. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint that is stabilized by a group of muscles and tendons, and strengthening these soft tissues is essential to reduce fraying or tears.

To reduce the likelihood of a rotator cuff injury, baseball players should follow these tips:

• Use correct throwing techniques. When you use improper throwing techniques, it can put excessive strain on the soft tissues of the shoulder. To ensure you are using the correct form, have your coach or a physical therapist watch you throw to determine whether improvements need to be made.

• Don’t over-practice. When you practice beyond your physical capacity, your form begins to diminish, and it becomes more likely that you will cause unnecessary force on the tissue and cause damage.

• Balanced shoulder muscle exercises. Exercising certain shoulder muscles more often than others can lead to an imbalance in the strength of the shoulder muscles, increasing the risk of injury.

• Apply heat and ice. Taking early therapeutic measures to reduce inflammation and promote healing can help any early signs of injury heal before becoming a more severe injury.

Let’s Get Started!

Pain in the rotator cuff can take a significant mental and physical toll on patients if left untreated. For residents of Lancaster, PA, who are looking for the best rotator cuff surgery doctor in Lancaster, Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group are here to help. You can schedule an appointment today by clicking the  “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or by calling (866) 564-1000.